Episode 19 - Rising from the Ashes

In this episode of the History of Japan podcast, the hosts discuss Japan's post-World War II recovery, focusing on the vision of economist Okita Saburo and the leadership of Prime Minister Yoshida Shigeru. They detail Yoshida's strategy of prioritizing economic growth over military rearmament, leveraging the US-Japan security alliance, and implementing a system of controlled capitalism through government-supported cartels. The hosts explore the advantages and disadvantages of this system, including its impact on consumers and the role of Japanese corporate culture. They also touch on the Income Doubling Plan under Prime Minister Ikeda Hayato and the economic milestones achieved under Prime Minister Sato Eisaku, including Japan's re-entry into the export market and its complex relationship with the United States. The episode concludes by questioning the long-term costs of Japan's dependence on the US in terms of foreign policy.